The Fall of Avalon

By Carl Houston Roach IV

Avalon is the shining kingdom in the land of Androma. Its queen, Titania of the Fae, has ruled since its founding nearly 1,000 years ago. The image of the perfect ruler, Titania carries herself with poise, elegance, and presence. On the night of the celebration of one of the most significant events in the history of Androma, darkness descends upon Avalon. A mysterious swordsman appears and declares his intent to annihilate Titania and all those who stand with her. After delivering his threat, he vanishes into the darkness of night. Titania must once again devise a solution to save her kingdom from certain destruction, but as the mystery of this swordsman unfolds, is everything what it seems?

• Language: English
• Publisher: B. T. BOOKS
• Release date: Aug 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463026205

Book preview

Tracee A. Hanna Presents

Carl Houston Roach IV

The Fall of Avalon

A novel.

COMING SOON

Novels by CARL HOUSTON ROACH IV

Book 2

The Prequel

RITE TO RULE

(Glorianna and Author)

&

Book 3

The Finale

RISE OF A NATION

The

Fall of

Avalon

Carl Houston Roach IV

Book one in The Lineage Series.

Bella Tracee Books

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living, or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CARL HOUSTON ROACH IV

THE FALL OF AVALON

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author and/or publisher.

For more information contact:

Bella Tracee Books, [e-mail]

First Edition AUGUST 2018

Copyright © 2018 Carl Roach

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1723379727

ISBN-10: 1723379727

Edited by Tracee A. Hanna

Cover: Original art by Roxana Macias

DEDICATION

To the one who thought I was nothing:

Ex cineribus resurgam.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 – UNEXPECTED GUEST

CHAPTER 2 – UNYIELDING LOYALTY

CHAPTER 3 – UNPREPARED AND UNAWARE

CHAPTER 4 – UNQUENCHABLE RAGE

CHAPTER 5 – UNINVITED CONFLICT

CHAPTER 6 – UNTOLD TRUTH

CHAPTER 7 – UNREQUITED MEETING

CHAPTER 8 – UNCERTAIN FUTURE

CHAPTER 9 – UNIMAGINABLE POWER

CHAPTER 10 – UNMATCHED SWORDSMAN

CHAPTER 11 – UNTRAMMELED PROPHECY

CHAPTER 12 – UNPARDONED SINS

EPILOGUE

CARL HOUSTON ROACH IV

CHAPTER 1 UNEXPECTED GUEST

He came upon them in the cover of night, carried by the fury of the wind. He was not a stranger to these lands, though its people had forgotten him.

In the land of Androma four kingdoms co-existed peacefully. Zolabar to west, a kingdom of artisans and craftmanship and brotherhood. Although, they were not a wealthy people, they were content. Kilbin, to the south, along the river leading to the sea, was a kingdom of tradesmen, sailors and scholars. They charted the stars, sailed the waters, and established trade routes amidst Androma and beyond. Eramar to the east, nearest to the sea, was a kingdom of warriors. Their system of law followed a strict code of ethics founded upon principles of strength set forth by the founders over 1,000 years ago. Eramar fostered treaties and non-aggression pacts with the other kingdoms as a means of fostering wealth and solidarity among them. Of these kingdoms, however, none could hold a candle to the roaring flame that was the Kingdom of Avalon.

Avalon, the shining city in the land of Androma, revered as the jewel among stones. Clean streets of cobblestone rolled between alabaster stone buildings free of blemish betwixt well kept, wooden vendors and houses. Black iron torches lined the streets in a staggered fashion, lit every night so the city was never without light. Overseeing it all was the Ivory Palace of Glorianna, the first ruler of Avalon.

The palace itself was magnificent, a work of architecture the likes of which had no equal. Immense, rounded pillars held up the grand arch of the foyer. Polished mahogany doors with gold decorations opened to a hall furnished with purple tapestries bearing the national symbol of Avalon: a golden eagle with a serpent clutched in its talons. Black marble from the northern mines was the material of choice for the flooring and the stairs that led to the golden throne adorned with wings extending from the back.

The halls themselves were well lit with the finest of scented candles. The soothing aroma of lavender and vanilla sifted through the air like a light glaze on a pastry. Faces of dukes and duchesses, marquess and marchioness, earls and countesses throughout Avalon’s history - all the way back to its founding - served as decorative tapestries along the walls. Intermixed among them were portraits of the Paladins, warriors of the line of Arthur, the greatest warriors in Avalon’s history.

This night was special for the all the people in the land of Androma. So special in fact, Titania, Queen of Avalon, hosted a ball every year. All the royals and nobles throughout Avalon, and her allied kingdoms, were invited to attend. For this was the seventh anniversary of the destruction of Ravana - one of the twelve Lords of Evil - who once wreaked havoc in the ancient world.

The music was festive and well suited for dancing. The barrels of wine, ale, rum, and whiskey overflowed. A hunting party dispatched earlier that day had returned with enough game: wild boar, deer, fowl, and bundles of the best fish from the rivers and lakes to prepare a bountiful feast for hundreds of people. Gifts of fine jewelry and jewel encrusted swords were given at the door for each guest who arrived.

The ladies laughed and danced about as the strings and flutes played. The men scurried about and chased the women around the ballroom. Joyous laughter and shouts of jubilee filled the air. Glasses clanged together as toasts were made. The noble men and women recognized the heroes from the various regions who had fallen that fateful day to protect the kingdoms from the wrath of that primordial threat.

Queen Titania sat petulantly in her seat as she panned the room. The kings and queens of the other kingdoms could not bother themselves to join the celebration, she fumed. Despite the presence of their most significant subordinates, the rulers’ absence was an insult. Queen Titania deliberately rose to her feet, the picture of elegance and grace. Her raven hair cascaded down her dainty figure to the base of her back. Her flawless countenance made most believe it was carved by the angels themselves. Her figure resembled the rolling hills of the east, bountiful and enticing.

The Queen spoke with a voice like her mother before her: full of power and authority, and yet serenity and grace were not lost in her tone. Prismatic eyes, inherited from her father, Oberon, carried in them the resolute will of a ruler. All eyes moved to her as she prepared to speak. My dear friends, welcome once again to Avalon. It is my tremendous honor to host this celebration tonight. Tonight, we celebrate that seven years ago, on this day, the terrible calamity Ravana was destroyed by the great Company of Heroes!

Applause rang out. Titania paused, and watched the crowd with a completely stoic face. Though it had been seven years ago to the day, she could still remember seeing those 100 warriors assembled in that very ballroom as if it were only yesterday. She remembered how they ate, drank, and made merry for what, in the end, had been their last night on Earth. Two of them were once her great champions. The first was Argus Nox, descendant of the great wizard Merlin. He was the most powerful sorcerer in Avalon at that time. He served as Titania’s advisor during times of war, as well as peace. He was wise, kind, and courageous. No man in Avalon held a position of prominence equal to Argus.

Mifuné Tahaka was the second great champion of Avalon. The last of the Lotus Tribe, Mifuné came to live in Avalon after the desolation of his people. He became Argus’s disciple, and trained under him for most of his young life. In that time, he became the greatest swordsman in the history of Avalon - since the days of Arthur over 1000 years ago. He brought honor and pride to the memory of his lost people.

One-hundred of the finest men and women sat in this very room. Though they feared it may have been their last night at home, still, they went and bravely fought against the Ravana and its terrible evil. Queen Titania took solemn pause. The Company of Heroes was lost, but their sacrifice was not in vain… For Avalon and her allies are still here! Queen Titania proclaimed with pride.

More applause rang out. Titania paused again and waited for it to settle.

My fellow royals, stand with me. Let us drink to their sacrifice, and never abandon their memory, or what their blood has bought for us.

Calls of Here, here! rang out from the men and women alike as all rose to their feet to drink to the fallen ones. Each face carried with it its own emotional expression. Some faces were heavy, burdened with sadness for a fallen brother, sister, friend, compatriot. Some light, beaming with hope and gratitude for the lives they continued to live because of the fallen warriors’ sacrifices. Even Queen Titania’s husband, Colabion, who had never met the great heroes of Avalon, of Zolabar, of Kilbin, and of Eramar, shed a tear or two in reverence.

The Queen bore no emotion at all. She remained completely serene as she gracefully descended back into her seat. She appeared to have no interest in celebrating at al which was nothing new, though. Queen Titania had always been noticeably reserved on that night, every year.

Once the feasting concluded, the party resumed in full swing. Traditional dances from Avalon, as well as the surrounding kingdoms, erupted across the dancefloor. The crowd, completely stirred into a drunken frenzy, relished in the excitement and fun. Sexual tensions began to rise, as several lords and ladies were seen attempting to steal away hand in hand with lechery in their eyes. This did not hold true for the Queen of Avalon. No amount of drink, food, or music could alter Queen Titania’s stoic expression. She could not stave off the lump growing in her throat, nor could she explain, even to herself, what was causing it.

My love, Colabion began, sliding the side of his right index finger up and down Queen Titania’s bare arm, it is a party after all. Would it not be a terrible shame if you and I could not have a dance this evening, at least once?

Colabion was not the most handsome of men the Queen had been with in her long life. He had a plain face, free of any remarkably distinguishing features. His dark brown hair was short cut and well kept. Deep-brown eyes, as common as they come in Avalon. Light, fine stubble adorned his upper lip and his jawline. Though he was past his 30th year, some would say of him that he resembled an adolescent child.

I would rather not, Queen Titania said dismissively. She did not bother to turn her head to look at him.

Having been married to Queen Titania for seven years, Colabion had learned her many faces and facades. He could tell, just by looking at her, when she was genuinely happy, or when something was amiss. It was completely transparent to him in that moment; it made him wonder if she really believed that he would not notice something was upsetting her.

Colabion positioned his chair in front of his queen and rendered himself the focus of her attention. He took her hands gingerly in his and detected the faintest tremble. He knew her delicate temperament was not uncommon for her on the anniversary of the destruction of Ravana, Moreover, he particularly hated seeing her in such a state, as he did not know the cause. It was a subject she adamantly avoided, even seven years later.

My dearest love, you are the envy of the night, the most beautiful woman in the realm, and yet you cannot even bring yourself to smile once this night? asked Colabion.

Queen Titania gripped his hands lightly. You do not know what this night is to me. No one does. And no one can. Her eyes, and her tone, were heavy, laden with sentiment akin to guilt. My beloved wife must hold herself responsible for the deaths of the Company of Heroes, Colabion pondered.

I could if you would just tell me. Please. Colabion ran his hand down the side of her face gently. We have been married for seven years. Can we not make tonight the night for no more secrets?

From the balcony, suddenly, a wicked wind blasted into the ballroom. The doors to the balcony were thrust open, as the ballroom door leading to the palace slammed shut. Those outside on the balcony were forced back into the ballroom. The people who attempted to escape into the palace were pulled back away from the door, as a horrid vortex had encircled them. The torches were extinguished. The music ceased. Women screamed. Men protectively put themselves in front of women. Guards drew their swords and scanned their surroundings, desperately attempting to pierce through the darkness, seeking a cause for this anomaly.

Like a twister, the circling wind focused in the center of the ballroom. Frightened and confused, the royals and nobles stared on at the concentrated cyclone that occupied the middle of the room. It howled and shrieked like some unholy demon. Just as suddenly as it appeared, the cyclone dissipated all at once, and took with it the voices of the spectators. All looked on in terror at what they saw before them, unsure of what the rest of this night would hold. Queen Titania rose to her feet, as the lump in her throat sank to the deepest part of her stomach.

A figure stood in the middle of the room. It was impossible to determine exactly who or what it was, though it appeared to be a man. It kept its head bowed, as if it were staring at the floor. It was completely still, which only increased the tension in the room. Fear was so palpable it drowned out the scent of the feast. The interloper was about to make a move. Its arm raised up slowly, to shoulder level. Hearts began to race like war horses in full retreat. A sharp, snapping sound echoed throughout the room and the candles reignited all at once. With the advent of light, it became apparent that the figure was indeed a man; but this revelation did not ease the tension in the room, nor settle any fears.

He was dressed in attire foreign to everyone in the room. He wore a round hat on his head that appeared to be made of straw, which concealed his eyes. On his torso he wore a loose-fit, black tunic with long, loose sleeves that folded over itself just beneath his chest. It was cinched at the waist by a red sash. His lower half was covered by pale gray pants, also loose fit, and on his feet, he wore simple, wooden sandals. Most frightening of all about this man was the weapon he had seated in his sash: a long, slightly curved sword with gold emblems along the sheath.

The interloper’s head rose, slowly, like a hunter stalking prey. To those in his immediate line of sight, his gaze pierced through them like a thousand arrows. It was an experience unlike any other. Although there was no rage or ill-intent apparent in his eyes, the calmness of his face did not stay the sense of foreboding danger his presence created.

Queen Titania, the interloper spoke, which caused everyone around him to take an immediate step back, I have returned.

All eyes once again went to the Queen. Upon inspection, her face had certainly changed from her previous stoic demeanor. Her naturally light skin waxed pale as death, as if she was looking upon her own grave. Colabion watched with morbid curiosity as this powerful woman he loved so much, quaked inside like a frightened child. He would watch no more.

Guards, seize him! Colabion commanded.

A dozen soldiers clad in heavy armor clamored towards the man in the center of the room. The royals and nobles cleared the way as best as they could to make the path for the guards. Each man shouted some order of ‘halt’ or ‘surrender’ as they approached, but the lone swordsman did not bother to acknowledge them. Rather, he began to approach the Queen slowly, steadily.

Before the swordsman could reach her, six guards were upon him: three from the front, three from his left flank. As they came just outside arm’s reach of him, the interloper took hold of his sword handle. No one saw what happened next, but without missing a step, the samurai continued forward, as the six guards fell to the floor. His sword tore through their plate armor like a knife to butter. Each man was dismembered, slashed, bloody, and dead. Screaming erupted from nearby onlookers splashed with soldier’s blood. The remaining guards kept their distance. They knew they were out matched.

Colabion did not know what else to do, without a moment’s hesitation, he positioned himself between the swordsman and his beloved wife. His heart trembled, but he set aside his fear. He would protect his wife, as he had vowed to do on the day of their wedding. He sucked in a deep gulp of air and held his breath, all the while thinking, any moment following this decision may be his last.

The swordsman stopped before him. His presence was overwhelming. Colabion knew in his heart if he had not taken that previous breath, he would be starving for air in that moment. Though he was afraid, he held his composure as best he could. Much to his surprise, the interloper did not cut him down, nor did he make the effort to engage him.

Step aside, the man uttered, perturbed.

I will not! I am Colabion, King Consort of Avalon! And I will not allow you to do as you please, here! I command that you leave Avalon at once, and never return!

The swordsman wasted no more time than that with Colabion. He placed his hand squarely centered on Colabion’s chest and delivered a forceful thrust. Colabion was pushed from where he stood and sent barreling towards the wall behind him. His back struck the ground and he slid well out of the way.

Queen Titania’s eyes were locked with the swordsman’s. What was left of her composure was stained by hot tears streaming from her eyes. Her arms visibly shook. Her breath was stifled. She, too, felt overwhelmed in the swordsman’s presence. The lump that had sunk into her stomach churned like a maelstrom churns the waters of the sea. Everything around her seemed to shrink, until it was drowned out by the darkness she could see emitting from this man.

Queen Titania, he began, say my name. He spoke softly, but there was intensity in his voice.

Queen Titania’s eyes went wide, as though she were in a living nightmare. Seemingly, a terrible skeleton had found the keys to escape the closet she tried so desperately to keep closed. Some part of her believed this day would come, as no secret can be buried forever. The larger part of her so desperately wanted to believe that it would not, but the day of reckoning was upon her.

While there was some confusion from the onlookers as to the stranger’s motive, it was unquestionable from the haunted look on the queen’s face that she knew the man. She knew his name. There had to be a reason that she would not say it. The popular growing suspicion among the spectators was that the reason Queen Titania knew him and the reason why he had appeared were one in the same.

Say my name! he shouted. Every person flinched away and slammed their eyes shut, but only for a moment. All eyes quickly turned back to the Queen, poised to see what would happen next. Her lips pursed and trembled, much like the rest of her. Her shaking hand rose up to her chest. She clutched the piece of her dress over her breast, as if to still her racing heart. Say it! Tell them who I am! he screamed.

Queen Titania’s breath escaped her like a whisper at first. In her heart, she sensed granting his request would be her only salvation. His rage, his malice, would not be contained by her tears. It would not be satiated by her trembling trepidation, not without a greater price, or a greater sacrifice would he leave her be. More than anything, she wanted to survive that night, a night she had hoped would never come to pass.

Mifuné. Mifuné Tahaka, the sole survivor of the grand Company of Heroes that slayed Ravana.

Come now, your Majesty. Do not try to deny me my right. His voice lowered to its original tone. Tell them the truth.

The Queen shrugged off her fear, blinked away the tears from her eyes, and in her typical authoritative voice, she declared, You are my former guardian, and protector of Avalon. Mifuné Tahaka, the man who slayed Ravana seven years ago.

Shock reverberated throughout the crowd. Whispers went around the nobles over what they just heard. Whispers of doubt and confusion.

It is as you say, the swordsman replied as he offered a half bow, which silenced the muttering in the crowd.

Mifuné walked away from Queen Titania to the nearest table. He noticed a half-full glass of drink. He raised the glass off the table with his right hand and put it just under his nose. He sniffed the glass to properly identify its contents, a potent concoction. Rum from Zolabar, my favorite, the warrior said in a tone distinctly more light-hearted than his previous tone. The brewers there really know how to mix in the spices just right. He tilted the glass to his lips and sipped. The sound of each swallow was like a nail being driven into Queen Titania’s heart.

Shocked by this revelation, Colabion rose to his feet. Titania, what is he talking about? He stepped closer to her. You said that all the warriors who fought against Ravana died that day. Who is this man to claim such a right?

Queen Titania could not reply. She looked down and away, only able to stare at the ground, overwhelmed by the revelations brought on by that night. He is not supposed to be here, she thought; he is supposed to be safely locked away The Queen’s world shook apart as her nightmare continued.

Yes, Titania. Tell them. Tell them all what happened when last we spoke, Mifuné indignantly insisted. He set the empty glass down and seized another.

Silence was the Queen’s response, as if her voice, had been stolen out of her throat. Her spirit waned under the exposure, which begat shame that pressed down on her in the light of the malice and contempt the swordsman held for her. She felt like releasing everything in her stomach at once as she watched him casually swallow all the rum from the second glass in a single gulp.

Mifuné held the glass out in front of him in the direction of the people now huddled away from him. Their reflections changed as he turned the glass in his hand. He could see the fear in their eyes; the suffocating anticipation that gripped them was almost more than they could bear.

My patience has run out, Queen Titania, said Mifuné.

Mifuné released the glass from his hand. The crowd watched it fall to the ground. Before they could react, Mifuné launched a fearsome attack against them. With his blade, he sliced them apart like a scissor to ribbon, spewing blood and flinging meat into the helpless crowd. By the time the glass hit the ground and shattered into dozens of fragmented pieces, Mifuné had cut down five more people. The bodies were mangled beyond recognition, and pools of blood formed on the floor. Screaming, shrieks of fear, and cries of sadness rang through the air. Queen Titania sank into her seat and began to cry bitterly. The surviving group bunched up together and backed away from Mifuné. They stacked themselves shoulder to shoulder, such that no one could fit between them. Silence overtook the people once they were away from the swordsman. The sound of the fresh blood that dripped from his blade sent a chill to their bones.

Perhaps you will not tell them for my sake. Perhaps instead you should answer to them why these people have died! His scream evolved into a roar like a raging dragon. It is no longer my time you waste, but their lives, Titania!

Enough! Queen Titania shot up out of her seat. I will answer you. Spare them, and I will answer you. Please! the Queen begged desperately.

Tell them in earnest, Titania, Queen of Avalon. What happened to your faithful servant when he returned? What happened to me?

The Queen’s voice shook as she choked back bitter tears. You and I were to be wed upon your return from the battle against Ravana. I promised I would await the day of your homecoming, yet I did not. I married Colabion long before I received word of your return.

Now tell them what you did to me upon my return. Spare no details. Mifuné pointed the tip of his sword at her. Let them all see who you really are this night. Tell them how the divine and generous Queen of Avalon rewarded my efforts.

I sent an emissary to invite you to meet with me at the Tower of Galahad. When you arrived, I would not let you hold me. I told you I had already been married to another. Once I had spoken my truth, I could sense darkness radiating from within you. I had my sorcerers strike you down with powerful magic, as I feared that you were not yourself anymore, the Queen replied innocently.

Mifuné, who had paced back and forth in front of this crowd of nobility and royalty, suddenly stopped. His eyes went wide and his pupils dilated. In a flash, his blade flew through the crowd again. Four people lost their heads practically simultaneously. Blood gushed from the necks of the severed heads and showered those near them. The fallen bodies splashed into the pools of blood formed on the floor.

Tell me, Titania, shall I kill them all now so that you may cling to this lie?! Are their lives so worthless to you that you would sacrifice them like sheep!? Mifuné roared. His voice echoed through the ballroom and shook the palace.

Please! No more! I beg of you. I will tell them the truth. Stay your sword, Mifuné, the Queen pleaded.

I will play no further games with your Majesty. In an instant, Mifuné was gone from her sight. She heard Colabion grunt. Her heart sank into her belly as she turned her head. Her husband was on his hands and knees. Mifuné’s sword lay over the back of his neck. Fresh blood dripped onto the nape of his neck and stained as it ran down the back of his tunic.

His will be the next life you forfeit should you hide the truth any longer, declared Mifuné.

Please… do not hurt him, she